Cast
View AllHikaru Midorikawa
as Heero Yuy (voice)
Toshihiko Seki
as Duo Maxwell (voice)
Shigeru Nakahara
as Trowa Barton (voice)
Ai Orikasa
as Quatre Rabarba Winner (voice)
Ryuzou Ishino
as Chang Wu Fei (voice)
Akiko Yajima
as Relena Peacecraft (voice)
Toshiyuki Morikawa
as Abdul (voice)
Daiki Nakamura
as Auda (voice)
Saori Sugimoto
as Catherine Bloom (voice)
Eisuke Yoda
as Dekim Barton (voice)
Minoru Inaba
as Doctor J (voice)
Shinya Ôtaki
as Doktor S (voice)
Rei Sakuma
as Marimeia Barton Khushrenada (voice)
Naoko Matsui
as Dorothy Catalonia (voice)
Isshin Chiba
as Akhmad (voice)
Crew
Director
- Yasunao Aoki
Writer
- Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Producer
- Jun Yukawa
- Satoshi Kubo
- Hideyuki Tomioka
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Gundam Wing: The Endless Waltz examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Yasunao Aoki brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1998, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Gundam Wing: The Endless Waltz took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1047 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Gundam Wing: The Endless Waltz shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Rule of Burning Sun II, which focuses more on action than character development, Gundam Wing: The Endless Waltz offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Superman III and Metropolis explore similar territory, Gundam Wing: The Endless Waltz stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 1, 1998
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
